LeslieW

So no one on here knows but I own my business. Mostly I sell jewelry making supplies and run auctions on various platforms. I spend A LOT of time on Facebook and social media due to the way I have to run my job. I have become friends with a group of people who I really believe God or whatever higher power there is has brought into my life. Several of these wonderful ladies are on a similar journey as I am and we are all trying to lose weight in some way. Three of them will be doing the RNY either this year or next. They were there for me when my dad passed helping me to get home to see him before he went. That was in November. Today.. when my daughter came home from school she tripped over a package on the front step. When I opened it, there was gorgeous snow globe from Things Remembered. It plays "Pretty Woman" and says We love you Leslie.. From the girls and Alan. It says FABULOUS on the inside of the globe. I have never teared up so fast in my life. Well maybe when my kids were born. To have found such support with the best co workers in the whole world means so much to me. I wanted to post this blog because I know some people struggle with telling others they are having WLS. I got the same crazy advice and response from some well meaning mis informed people. But then I have these wonderful awesome people in my life who are there and encouraging. I will never hide the fact that I had WLS, because in the end, this is my life. In my life I will chose to be there for others going through the same thing. I will ignore the nay sayers and feel blessed in the fact that there are those people out there who understand and who are proud of me for having the courage to do what I needed to do. After all, the people who love you no matter what, those are the people you want to keep in your life. I hope everyone can find understanding from the people in their lives. If you cannot.. you have understanding from me. Good luck in your journeys.

Ohhh its the little things that mean so much! Congrats on your NSV. I can't wait for that one lol!

This was posted by my nutritionist in one of support groups. Study was done in Australia where they have done way more surgeries. Weight stays off long after lap band surgery Posted By Emily Walker-Monash On January 21, 2013 @ 11:39 am In Health & Medicine | No Comments MONASH U. (AUS) — Gastric banding is safe and effective for managing obesity long-term, according to a study of patients 10 to 15 years after their surgeries. The study, the longest and most comprehensive yet reported, appears in the Annals of Surgery [1], and finds a significant number of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (lap banding) patients maintained an average weight loss of 26 kilograms for more than a decade after their procedure. Straight from the Source Read the original study [1] DOI: 10.1097/SLA.0b013e31827b6c02 Researchers analyzed the results in 3,227 patients who had gastric banding surgery in Australia between 1994, when the procedure was first introduced, and 2011. The patients in the study were averaged at 47 years-of-age and 78 percent were women. Of those patients, 714 had surgery at least 10 years ago and, on average, had maintained a weight loss of 26 kilograms, or almost half of their excess weight. The weight loss results were similar for the 54 patients in the study who had undergone treatment at least 15 years ago. “These results show that when you have a significant problem with obesity, a long-term solution is available,” says Professor Paul O’Brien of the Centre for Obesity Research and Education at Monash University in Melbourne. “This surgery is safe and effective, and it has lasting benefits. Substantial weight loss can change the lives of people who are obese—they can be healthier and live longer.” O’Brien says there are also important ramifications for the control of type 2 diabetes, which was strongly associated with being overweight. “In obese patients with type 2 diabetes, weight loss after gastric banding can lead to effective control of blood sugar levels without the need for medication in about three-quarters of cases,” O’Brien says. The patients included in the study had followed the rules of their treating team regarding eating, exercise, and activity and committed to returning permanently to the aftercare program. All the surgery was performed by O’Brien, an international pioneer of the technique, and Associate Professor Wendy Brown, President of the Obesity Surgery Society of Australia and New Zealand. There were no deaths associated with the surgery or with any later operations that were needed in about half of the patients. About one in 20 patients had the band removed during the study period. “In treating a chronic disease such as obesity over a lifetime, it is likely that something will need to be corrected at some time in some patients,” says O’Brien. “The study shows a marked reduction of revisional procedures with the introduction of the new version of the Lap-Band 6 years ago. Importantly, those who had revisional surgery lost as much weight in the long term as those who did not need it.” The report also included a comparison of gastric banding—which can be done as a day-surgery procedure—and more invasive types of weight-loss surgery such as gastric bypass that are high risk and require longer hospital stay. The weight loss with gastric banding, and the need for future revisional surgery, was similar to that with gastric bypass.

I am two weeks post op! Congrats on getting the band. You will feel better soon and boy when you see that weight start to come off you are going to be jumping for joy. I am so happy I did this. I wigged myself out the week before my surgery so whenever I see anything like this I am so grateful.

I thanked him profusely for posting that to my other support group. Its with my surgeon's office. I looked and looked for a long term study but could never find one that had up to date info on it. I am so glad they published this.

Aww Thank you! Yeah I cant believe my shoes are shrinking. Although when I think about it.. I was a size 7 1/2 shoe in High school. I have been wearing size 9 1/2. Its funny how little things are popping up like that. I havent changed so much all at once since I was 13! LOL

It is important for me to share my journey with others. I will be honest about what I am feeling so that new people or people thinking about getting banded can have an honest view point. I believe most people are this way but there are also some trolls out there with weird agendas that want to scare people. There will be ups and downs as with anything, I am sure. It is my goal to honestly portray what it is like to be banded. I am 34 years old with a start weight of 305. I have a large blended family. Between my husband and I we have 6 children and a very busy life. I am 8 days post op today. My surgery included a hernia repair, lapband and plication. My band was not "primed" at time of surgery. My first fill is scheduled for 6 weeks post op. To be quite honest, I am one of those people who don't do well with any pain meds. They knock me out and generally make me groggy. That is what happened this week. Not only was I groggy but I experienced discomfort like never before in my life. This was me being unprepared as I have never had major surgery before. The gas pains alone threw me. They are not your standard gas pain. Until you have it you really won't know what people mean when they are talking about the gas. When you have your band do what everyone says and walk, walk, walk. The first three days after surgery, I was happiest when walking. Working out the gas pressure is a relief! My relationship with food this week has been an emotional roller coaster. In the beginning of the week, I felt like I had lost a dear friend. I am still on the clear liquid part of my post op diet. It seems like every commercial on TV is about food. Food I don't even normally like looks delicious. Now, at the beginning of my second week Post OP, those commercials no longer bother me. I have accepted the stage of the diet I am on and I know that eventually I will be able to eat "real food" as long as I keep it healthy I WILL succeed! My relationship with my husband has gotten stronger. I am 34 years old and needed help taking a shower, getting dressed and making broth for myself. He stepped up and did all of these things for me. He took the kids to school, cleaned house, and made their dinner all while holding down a job of his own. I could not have done as well this week without his loving support. When I was ready to start doing things on my own again he did not smother me. He is letting me take control back one step at a time, as I am ready. I am truly blessed to have him in my life. I hope everyone can find support in this journey as I have. I have had a lot of time to think this week. I took a long hard look at myself and have decided I will not fail my band. Notice I did not say the band will not fail me. I will not fail the band because I have made a decision to follow doctor's orders, to be honest with myself and to let my support system help me. I made the decision to take this step in my life for my health. Let's be honest here.. I also have dreams of feeling sexy again. I am 34 not 90. It is up to me to see that this tool helps me reach my goal. I believe with all my heart personal responsibility needs to be a big part of the healing process. So flash forward to post op day 8. I feel fantastic today! I have no more pain. I have not had to take my pain meds for two days. The gas is all gone. Food commercials no longer bother me. I am not weak or groggy anymore. So I promised in my title two NSV's (non scale victories) and one SV (scale victory). So already I am encouraged by progress. My first and a very important NSV is I was able to get my wedding rings back on. Not only are they on but they are comfortable and no longer cutting into my fingers! As I was heartbroken and sorely disappointed in myself when I had to take them off, I am overjoyed to wear them again. My husband is also very proud I am wearing his rings again. The second and also very important NSV.. I was able to sleep in my own bed last night! This was the first time in 10 years I have had to sleep apart from my husband when in the same house. We have never let a fight make one of us sleep on the couch. I spent the entire last week in my recliner because it was the only comfortable spot to sleep. I am so HAPPY to be back in my own bed. And drum roll please... My scale victory... As of this morning I am down to 289 from 305lbs. 16 lbs lost! I have not seen the scale move backwards in years and never has it moved 16lbs! I can do this. If you are a new person with doubts and questions.. YOU can do this if you want to. Do research. When you think you have done enough.. do some more. It is not easy. Oh boy is it not the easy way out.. It is a tool for you to use. If you want success, reach out and grab it. It is there for you. Remember success comes with bumps in the road. These are just things we all have to get through. It is part of life. I am sure I will have ups and downs. Lets be realistic. Of course there will be ups and downs. I will share as many of these as I can that I feel people considering this journey should hear. If something goes wrong (unlikely), I will be honest about it and what caused it. I will share the victories as well. Thank you for reading my first blog. I wish you all success in your own journeys no matter what road they take. I am happy to answer any questions I can if you have any. =)

Yay congrats to you! So proud of you! The pain will pass as you said. Just when you think it wont you will wake up and be like.. hey I feel awesome today! Just remember to walk walk walk those gas pains out. Welcome to the banded side =)

I agree it is not a race to the finish line. You are learning and still taking care of you. Everyone's body is different. Obviously you know you CAN lose weight because you have. I would agree with insisting to see the surgeon and I am glad you are having restriction now. Keep following up with the physician and follow the guidelines for diet. You will get there. Be patient with yourself. You can do this!

Thank you for sharing your story. My thoughts are with you for a quick healing!

You know what? I had just about decided not to be on any forums or care about what anyone said after having gone to the other one first. By reading your story and some of the other stories here, from the way you ladies/gentlemen welcomed me here.. I changed my mind. Please do not stop preaching. I NEEDED to read your story and the others. I needed to see with all the doom and gloom on some other sites that there are people who are long term successful and that ultimately it is up to me. So see there.. you have already helped at least one person. Not to be a stalker but in the past week while I have been recovering I had read tons of your posts. I have looked at your pictures even the tummy tuck ones. I am inspired. This is not going to be easy for me. I am sure I am going to screw up once or twice. I need there to be honest people with honest stories out here so I can see that other people are going through the same things.

COngrats! Good luck! You will do fine and be so happy.

Hey.. I hope you are doing well today!

Congrats to you! What a wonderful Bday present! Many more to you!

I know you don't know me but I am going to give you a bit of advice. Please don't take it the wrong way because we are all on a similar journey. It is not just your journey if you are married. It is his also. He may be worried about you. He might be scared as to what is going to happen and needed someone to share concerns with without worrying you. Now I am not defending the fact that he went against your wishes at all. It is all up to us who went want to tell and who we don't. I am just saying that while it may be your journey it is going to affect your husband. It will affect your children if you have any. For good or bad, better or worse he needs to be in this with you. When i decided to do this, I told everyone. I got the bullshit advice from well meaning friends and the stupid crap like omg I knew a girl who died. One day we had a gathering of friends and they were all going off about this horror story or that. These were my husband's friends. He stood up in the middle of the room and told everyone to shut up. He said this is her decision and if you cannot be supportive, do not say another damn thing in my house. They clammed up immediately. This was about 6 months ago. Girl it is totally up to you who you tell.. I guess the point behind that is to see if maybe he is worried or scared. Sometimes, we get caught up in our journey and do not really hear the other person when they say they are worried or scared. Even if he is full on behind you having the surgery he could still be worried about anything going wrong while you are under. If his parents cant be supportive of you, ignore them. I know that is hard to do but I have had to have frank conversations with my mother in law because of how she treats people in my house. We teach people how to treat us. Be proud of what you are doing. You made it through pre op and that is fantastic! You will do fine on the band journey. Just love each other and don't spend too much time being angry with him. You are beginning the journey of a lifetime tomorrow. Good luck to you and speedy recovery!

Kudos to you! You got this! I am glad you made that post. We are a large family and because all of the kids like different stuff, when we go out they love to go to the buffet. I am glad to know it is possible to go without making a pig out of myself! I am sure I will be in that position someday. Did you show your wls card so you could eat at children's prices? I am not sure how I will deal with that part when i go. I dont feel like I will ever eat $12 worth of food ever again at once.

only Protein Shakes if doc says its ok. Im not allowed to have them for another week. 3 week mark. books, magazines, movies.. anything to pass your time. I would say one thing to make sure you have is patience. Patience with yourself. Give yourself time to heal and remember your body will be like wth just happened? Follow drs orders and smile! You are doing it! Good for you!

I do think that is pretty common. Its just your body healing itself. Congrats on your weight loss and recovery! I am 9 days post op. Welcome to the bandsters =). Definitely call your doctor with any questions.

Well, I figure if the dog didnt kill me tonight when she tripped me a little laughing should be ok lol.

You absolutely deserve that credit! Kudos to you for giving it to yourself! We all need to be that brave. Congrats on your wonderful journey!

I agree with going to see the doc immediately. I did want to comment though on the trucking. My father in law is a truck driver. He used to be over weight but then was diagnosed with diabetes and heart problems. He lost 100lbs and drives cross country all the time. He did it by keeping oranges and fruits in his truck. He used to eat bags of cheetos but stopped buying stuff like that. Mostly just cut out all of the bad carbs. He never did have any kind of WLS surgery.I think my mother in law just scared the hell out of him lol. My husband and I regularly meet him at truck stops for dinner. He gets salads and chicken breast all the time. I just wanted you to have faith in yourself. Go see the doc. See what they can do for you but know it is absolutely possible even with driving cross country. You can do it. And don't be embarrassed. Your doctor is there for you to reach out to. If you are not comfortable with him/her maybe see if there is another doctor in your area that can help you. Keep your head up!

Your post is just wonderful! thank you for sharing! Gives me even more motivation. I love hearing the success stories.

you are only 5 days out also... depending on the diet they have you on. You might not have a lot of poo in there. Dont push! Definitely follow the fine ladies above advice and call your doctor. Above all do not strain or push hard. There is a nerve in your rectum that can cause you to get whoozy and all sorts of things if you push too hard. If your dr oks it the stool softener would be the way to go. Good luck! lol BTW I love this forum because people here are honest. Its a function of the human body! I joke with my husband that I feel like my grandad now. I am just waiting for my next big toot! LOL

Walk walk walk walk walk.. It is the only thing that helped me. I was banded on Friday the 11th. It will start to go away soon for you. One day I was all gassy and the next I woke up thinking.. Oh wow.. I feel good today. I think the gas has been the part I hated. Good luck to you!

I know..I was so sad when I had to take my rings off. Not so much because of the size of the stones or anything like that. My husband and I have a blended family and my rings just symbolized to me all the hard work we put into it. I cried when I got them back on. I think the little things in this journey are going to be the ones that mean the most to me! Thanks for the encouragement!